Working Conversations

Episode 173: Burnout Alert: Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions for the Overworked

In this episode, Dr. Janel Anderson addresses the critical issue of burnout caused by overwork. Sharing her personal experience, she identifies key signs of burnout, including behavioral and cognitive changes. Dr. Anderson outlines six essential strategies for preventing and recovering from burnout: setting boundaries, practicing self-care, seeking support, prioritizing, delegating, and taking time off. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing symptoms early and taking proactive steps. Highlighting the allure of financial incentives and of working because you love your work, Dr. Anderson offers actionable advice for maintaining boundaries when you are tempted to overwork. Tune in for practical tips to manage and prevent burnout in today’s demanding professional landscape.

Find show notes at https://janelanderson.com/173

Episode 172: How to Make Friends at Work

In this episode, Dr. Janel Anderson dives into the essential topic of making friends at work. Highlighting the pivotal role of curiosity, she discusses practical strategies like initiating small talk, finding common interests, and offering support to build meaningful relationships. Dr. Anderson also introduces three types of curiosity—diversive, empathic, and epistemic—and explains how each can enhance your ability to connect with colleagues. From fostering trust to alleviating workplace stress, the episode emphasizes the profound impact of workplace friendships on overall well-being and job satisfaction. Tune in to discover actionable tips for transforming your work life through genuine connections.

Find show notes at https://janelanderson.com/172

Episode 172: How to Make Friends at Work

In this episode, Dr. Janel Anderson dives into the essential topic of making friends at work. Highlighting the pivotal role of curiosity, she discusses practical strategies like initiating small talk, finding common interests, and offering support to build meaningful relationships. Dr. Anderson also introduces three types of curiosity—diversive, empathic, and epistemic—and explains how each can enhance your ability to connect with colleagues. From fostering trust to alleviating workplace stress, the episode emphasizes the profound impact of workplace friendships on overall well-being and job satisfaction. Tune in to discover actionable tips for transforming your work life through genuine connections.

Find show notes at https://janelanderson.com/172

Episode 171: Remote Work Gone Wrong: Employee Secretly Outsources His Job

In this episode, Dr. Janel Anderson delves into the remarkable true story of an employee who secretly outsourced his job to someone halfway across the globe. She explores the intricate details of how this audacious scheme unfolded, the impact it had on the corporate world, and the crucial lessons every employer needs to absorb to prevent such breaches. By sharing this tale, Dr. Anderson emphasizes the importance of thorough vetting, robust onboarding, regular check-ins, fostering ethical behavior, and creating confidential reporting channels. Tune in to discover actionable strategies for safeguarding your organization’s integrity and accountability.

Find show notes at https://janelanderson.com/171

Episode 170: Building Community in the Hybrid Work Environment

In this episode, Dr. Janel Anderson explores ways to build community in a hybrid workplace. From creating shared interest groups like pickleball or parenting groups to promoting virtual coffee breaks and publishing in-office days, she offers practical strategies for fostering connection and engagement. Dr. Anderson highlights the importance of intentional efforts, such as peer recognition programs and digital bulletin boards, to bridge gaps between remote and in-office employees. Whether you're an individual contributor or a manager, this episode provides actionable steps to cultivate a vibrant, cohesive workplace that supports collaboration, innovation, and well-being.

Find show notes at https://janelanderson.com/170

Episode 169: Debunking the Myth that No One Wants to Work

In this episode, Dr. Janel Anderson debunks the pervasive myth that "no one wants to work." She tackles the real reasons behind the labor shortage, including demographic shifts, the impact of the pandemic, and wage stagnation. Dr. Anderson also highlights the importance of matching skills to employer needs and the role of immigration in the labor market. She emphasizes that younger generations value meaningful work, fair compensation, and flexibility. Whether you’re an employer or an employee, this episode provides valuable insights into the complexities of today’s labor market and how to create a better work environment for everyone.

Find show notes at https://janelanderson.com/169

Episode 168: Telephonobia: How the Fear of Phone Calls Is Hurting Work

In this episode, Dr. Janel Anderson delves into the phenomenon of telephonobia – fear of using the telephone – and its impact on workplace communication and productivity. She explores the decline in telephone use among both younger and middle-aged professionals, citing reasons like digital communication preferences, anxiety, and technology overwhelm. By highlighting the business case for reintroducing phone calls, Dr. Anderson makes a compelling case for their efficiency, clarity, and personal connection. Listeners will gain insights into strategies to overcome telephonobia and reintegrate phone communication in their work routine. This episode is essential for anyone looking to enhance their professional communication toolkit.

Find show notes at https://janelanderson.com/168

Episode 167: Too Much of Your Work is About the Work!

In this episode, Dr. Janel Anderson explores the phenomenon of back-to-back meetings in remote work culture, revealing that 60% of work time is spent on 'work about work.' Using insights from Asana's Anatomy of Work Index, she delves into the inefficiencies caused by unnecessary meetings, duplicative work, and excessive status updates. Dr. Anderson offers actionable solutions like implementing meeting-free blocks, leveraging asynchronous communication, and streamlining processes. Whether you're a leader or a team member, this episode provides practical strategies to reclaim your time, enhance productivity, and cultivate a more satisfying work environment.

Find show notes at https://janelanderson.com/166

Episode 166: Listeners’ Picks: The 5 Most Downloaded Episodes

In this episode, Dr. Janel Anderson celebrates hitting 20,000 downloads by recapping the five most downloaded episodes of the Working Conversations podcast. From handling conversational narcissists to crafting compelling career stories, she revisits topics that have resonated most with listeners. Dr. Anderson also delves into common leadership mistakes – namely, trying to be the smartest person in the room, the pitfalls of quiet firing, and best practices for hybrid meetings. With heartfelt gratitude, she acknowledges her team and audience for their roles in the podcast's success. If you're passionate about leadership and communication, this episode offers key insights and a joyful look back at standout moments.

Find show notes at https://janelanderson.com/166

Episode 165: Navigating Negativity Bias at Work

In this episode, Dr. Janel Anderson delves into the intriguing concept of negativity bias in the workplace. With a keen understanding of how our brains tend to focus on the negative, she provides practical strategies for both combating this bias within ourselves and managing negativity in coworkers. Through a listener's email seeking advice on handling a perpetually negative colleague, Dr. Anderson offers a step-by-step approach to address such situations constructively. By emphasizing empathy, presenting impacts, suggesting solutions, and fostering open dialogue, she equips listeners with tools to foster a positive work environment. Tune in to learn how to navigate workplace negativity and promote productivity and collaboration.

Find show notes at https://janelanderson.com/165